Leadership is being a thermostat.
A thermostat is a device that controls the heating and cooling of equipment. Being a thermostat leader means that you can set the tone, mindset, and temperature of your team by having these 3 things:
1. Temperament and discernment
You cannot be a thermostat for someone else until you can be one for yourself. These two traits will establish our ability as a leader to control our own emotions, allowing us to find and focus on reality. One of the most important things that any leader must do is to find the truth and reality of each situation. Not allowing ourselves to be emotionally hijacked gives us the mental strength to discern the truth and find solutions to our problems. Once everyone sees that their leadership is clear and calm, then everyone will feel the security to allow them to take another step.
2. Trusting relationships
Just as a thermostat is connected to the machine it regulates, so, too, does trust connect us to the people that we lead. Trust can be established by connecting to people on a personal basis, speaking words of life into them, accentuating the positive, and being present with them by giving them your full attention. Once people trust us, they will gain a sense of security and they will become more apt to tackle their most difficult challenges together. Trust helps everyone to take another step. Once trust is established, fears will turn into fuel, then everyone will take another step.
3. Conflict management skills
Are you a peacemaker? A simple proverb that starts the peace process is: soft words turn away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. So how do we resolve conflict?
P. E. A. C. E.
Plan a peace conference--go with love and understanding.
Empathize with their feelings; listen to understand not to reply.
Attack the problem, not the person.
Cooperate--if you are wise, you will compromise.
Emphasize reconciliation--reestablish the relationship.
These things will help the leader control the emotions, focus, and determination in a culture bombarded by any type of circumstance. Once our people know that we value our relationship with them, even in negative or ambiguous circumstances, energy will skyrocket, and everyone will take another step.
When our people see that we are calm and steadfast in the midst of a storm, they will be engaged and focused to take another step.
Love to hear your success stories of being a thermostat at home or at work!
Love when you are getting W’s and being successful!
